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In 2015 Storm Desmond caused the river Tyne to burst its banks in Corbridge and this house was badly flooded. The devastation was rapid and when the owner returned he could see, from a distance, the road underwater, a large tree trunk on top of his relatively new car and debris covering the front lawn up to the windows of his house. Inside fared no better.

 

The entire lower level of the property was stripped back to the brickwork as the house had to ‘dry out’ for over 6 months before any restoration works could begin. The owners had already been talking about making changes to the back of the house prior to the flood, and took this opportunity to both extend and completely reconfigure the kitchen and family room, while adding a study.

 

It was important that any restoration of their home was done to the closest perfection achievable for their taste, budget and lifestyle. This professional couple like symmetrical shaker designs and were keen that rooms all be well balanced. They have two young children, so quick to clean surfaces and easily accessible storage was a must, as was adequate seating for them and any visitors in the lounge and cupboard space in the newly extended utility room, for cleaning products, tools, coats and boots.

 

The Kitchen

 

I always strongly advocate maximising all sense of light and space wherever possible. The knocking together of two rooms and a large extension means this kitchen has more than quadrupled in size and it’s a beautiful tranquil place. The originally fitted first set of velux windows were too small, and my clients very bravely opted to replace them for larger ones (at not inconsiderable cost). The room is now bathed in light and appears vast.

 

The very pale sage green coloured units, (which continue on into the large utility to give a sense of continuity), are well suited to their fresh country feel kitchen which now has bi-fold doors opening onto their rear garden. The lights and factory styled bulbs are stunning, and reflect beautifully off the polished dark marble surfaces. These in turn blend well with both the sleek modern dark hob and extractor as well as with the delightful slate effect karndene flooring, which is warm underfoot and also continues on into the utility and downstairs WC to maintain a sense of flow.

 

There is a full size dining table as well as the breakfast bar in this kitchen, but I feel it is the island which gives this kitchen a point of focus and makes the space work so well.